Boswell honored by City of Bonifay, Kiwanis

BONIFAY – Bonifay Kiwanis Club and the City of Bonifay honored one of the city’s most distinguished citizens Wednesday, June 24 with Al Boswell Day. The event took place before a large crowd at Simbo’s Restaurant in Bonifay.

“He has been great for his community and his club,” said City Councilman Roger Brooks as he and others presented Boswell with awards of appreciation for his service.

Boswell was born June 18, 1926 and is a lifelong resident of Holmes County. He served three years in the Navy in the Pacific theater during World War II and after the war went to the College of William and Mary to study business and communications.

Boswell was reactivated in the Navy Reserve in 1950 and served for three years on the USS Missouri during the Korean Conflict.
In 1955 Boswell hired by the Tri-County Telephone Co. and served a secretary, equipment engineer, local manager and district manager.

The company merged with Continental Corp in 1966 and Boswell retired in 1977.

“Retired” turned out to be a relative term, as Boswell subsequently served as hospital administrator, city clerk and as city grants writer. He was instrumental in securing funds for the new prison, the firehouse and the police station among other accomplishments.

Boswell joined the Kiwanis Club in 1959 and has been a member ever since. He has served as director, program chairman, vice president and president, and nowadays serves as song leader every meeting.

Al and his wife, Iris, live at Boswell Crossroads. They have four children, three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

“The Bonifay Kiwanis Club and the City of Bonifay recognize Al Boswell on Al Boswell Day, and thank you for your service to our club and to our community,” said Kiwanis President Don Hersman, Jr.